Tag: #LauraLynn

Microsoft employees charity cycle raises over €300,000 for LauraLynn

Microsoft Ireland employees have completed the final 360km stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way as part of their annual charity cycle, raising more than €300,000 – the most they’ve ever raised in a single year – in support of LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice.

The charity cycle, which began in 2014 with just 10 cyclists, has grown into a major annual fundraising event. This year, 100 cyclists and support crew took on the three-day and 360kms cycling challenge from Letterkenny to Buncrana, County Donegal, battling wet weather, steep climbs, and winding roads – all in the name of supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Over the course of the last 12 years, the Microsoft team have raised more than €1.7 million for LauraLynn, having cycled more than 4,560km.‌‌ The funds raised go directly to LauraLynn to help provide care in the Hospice, symptom management, short breaks, emergency and end-of-life care, as well as family supports and bereavement care to children with life-limiting conditions and their family units across Ireland.

In 2024 alone, LauraLynn supported 670 families across Ireland, with 119 new referrals accepted to its hospice service providing 1,677 nights of care to those who need it.

This year’s cycle is particularly significant as it coincides with Microsoft’s 40th anniversary in Ireland, reflecting the long-standing commitment of its employees to giving back and making a meaningful impact in their local communities.

James O’Connor, Site Lead at Microsoft Ireland and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: “We are so proud of our employees and supporters who continue to give their time, energy, and resources to the annual charity cycle. Completing the Wild Atlantic Way this year is a remarkable achievement and a fitting way to mark 40 years of Microsoft in Ireland, supporting NGOs and the communities we operate in.

“LauraLynn is a close neighbour and a cause that is very close to our hearts. We are continually inspired by the incredible work they do to provide care, comfort, and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Taking part in this cycle allows our employees to give back in a meaningful way and support the important work undertaken by the LauraLynn team. To have raised €305,923 by way of this year’s cycle and €1,742,091 since the cycle began is truly an incredible achievement.”

Kerry McLaverty, Chief Executive at LauraLynn, added: “Every year, the Microsoft Ireland team shows up not just with bikes and gear, but with compassion and care. What they’ve achieved through wind, rain, and relentless hills is nothing short of inspiring. This year was especially meaningful, marking the final leg of their journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, a challenge they’ve taken on piece by piece over six years. Their commitment goes far beyond fundraising; it’s a message to the children and families we support that there is a huge community standing with them. This partnership is built on something special. A huge congratulations to everyone who took part.”

To learn more about LauraLynn, visit: https://www.lauralynn.ie/.

Microsoft Ireland pedals past €1 million milestone for LauraLynn in decade-long cycling challenge

Microsoft Ireland employees celebrated a key milestone in their decade-long fundraising challenge for LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, as they pedalled past the €1million fundraising milestone this month. In total, Microsoft’s annual employee charity cycle has raised over €1,134,000 for LauraLynn, which includes more than €291,000 that was raised by way of its most recent cycle earlier this month.

The annual fundraising challenge has seen Microsoft Ireland employees cycle in excess of 4,000 kilometres since 2014, raising vital funds to support LauraLynn’s work in providing palliative care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. This includes therapies such as music therapy, play therapy and bereavement support, as well as vital short stays at the hospice for families in need of respite or crisis care.

This year’s charity cycle took place along the Wild Atlantic Way. Over the course of three days in September, a group of 100 Microsoft Ireland cyclists and support crew travelled 400km along the western seaboard from Clifden, Co. Galway, to Ballina, Co. Mayo.

James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Lead and Vice President for Microsoft Global Operations Service Center, said: “We are incredibly proud of all the Microsoft Ireland team who have gone the extra mile for LauraLynn this year, helping to raise a staggering €291,000 by way of the annual cycle and, in doing so, breaking the €1 million fundraising milestone for the charity over the past decade. It is testament to the dedication and commitment of our employees and supporters that we have been able to achieve this.

“Since the first cycle back in 2014, our teams have been inspired by LauraLynn and the vital care they provide on a daily basis to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Through the additional €291,000 raised this year, LauraLynn will continue to support increasing numbers of children across the country who are most in need of their help.”

Ray Snowdon, a member of the cycling team and Director of Microsoft Business Operations Fusion Development said: “Having grown from just 10 cyclists in 2014 to a team of over 100 this year, the charity cycle in aid of LauraLynn has brought the Microsoft community together and helped to generate much needed funds for Ireland’s only children’s hospice. We’re incredibly proud of breaking the €1m fundraising milestone this year, something we could not have achieved without the generosity of our families and supporters who have helped to propel us on the road to a million. Our collective efforts are helping LauraLynn to meet the vital needs of children in their care.”

Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn, said: “This is an extraordinary achievement by Microsoft Ireland and its employees who have become long-term partners of LauraLynn. It is the tenth year that the team have come out in force to fundraise for LauraLynn and each year they have raised the fundraising bar to new heights. The generosity shown by the Microsoft Ireland team has made a real difference to the lives of children with life-limiting conditions and their families who rely on the care and support of LauraLynn. Partners like Microsoft are vital for us to continue to grow and provide our services. LauraLynn are now supporting more children and families than ever before, alongside our Hospice in Leopardstown the community team operating from Mallow since last year provide care to Cork, Kerry and Limerick families. We have also recently announced our community team expansion brining care into the homes of children and families in the Midlands, West & Northwest of the country.”

The Microsoft Ireland fundraising cycle is just one of the ways in which the company supports LauraLynn. Microsoft has also donated software and provided training to the charity, and Microsoft employees regularly volunteer their time to help at LauraLynn House.

To find out more about the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, please visit https://lauralynn.ie/.

Microsoft Ireland employees raise over €270,000 for LauraLynn

Microsoft Ireland employees successfully completed a month-long fundraiser in aid of LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, which saw the team raise over €270,000 – breaking the €150,000 fundraising target set for this year’s initiative. This brings the total amount raised through Microsoft’s annual cycle for LauraLynn since it began in 2014 to an incredible €840,000.

This year’s charity fundraiser – ‘The Microsoft Way’ – saw Microsoft Ireland employees take part in a number of activities, including walking, running, swimming, and a cycle along the Wild Atlantic Way.  As part of this cycle, a group of 100 cyclists and support crew travelled 350km along the Wild Atlantic Way from Ballybunion, Co Kerry, to Clifden, Co Galway, over three consecutive days.

All funds raised go directly to LauraLynn to provide palliative care and supports for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. These include therapies such as music therapy, play therapy and counselling, as well as vital short stays at the hospice for families in need of respite or crisis care.

Announcing the news today, James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Vice President of Microsoft International Operations, said: “Our team at Microsoft Ireland continue to be inspired by the work undertaken by LauraLynn as it provides vital care and support to children and their families across Ireland. That’s why our employees once again organised a month-long fundraising challenge this autumn to raise much needed funds.  Over 100 cyclists and support crew cycled 350km from Ballybunion to Clifden, while others played their part by walking, running and swimming.

“Since 2014, we have enjoyed a close relationship with the charity and raised over €840,000 in vital funds to empower LauraLynn to provide palliative care and supports to children with life-limiting conditions. We are very proud of all our employees for achieving such an incredible fundraising milestone.”

Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, said: “We are humbled by the continued support shown to LauraLynn by one of our closest neighbours, Microsoft Ireland. This is the nineth consecutive year that Microsoft employees have come out in force to fundraise for LauraLynn, and we are so thankful for their support. The generosity and commitment shown by the Microsoft Ireland team, year in and year out, has made a huge difference for children with life-limiting conditions and this year’s funds will ensure the continued delivery of vital hospice services to children and families across the country.” 

Microsoft Ireland swaps tech for tyres in 30,000km cycling challenge in aid of @LauraLynnHouse #MicrosoftLifeIreland

Hundreds of Microsoft Ireland employees are swapping tech for tyres this month as they take on the challenge of cycling 30,000kms over the 30 days of September in order to raise €30,000 for LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice.

Microsoft’s seventh annual charity cycle will see the company’s employees, as well as their family members, hit the road and clock up as many kilometres as they can on solo or family bike rides, or indoors on a stationary bike, in order to raise €1 for every kilometre cycled. Over the course of the 30 days, Microsoft employees will collectively cycle the distance to Perth, Australia and back.

All funds raised from the charity cycle will go directly to LauraLynn as it provides much needed respite for children and families after months of strict cocooning due to COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, LauraLynn has continued to provide family supports such as play and music therapy, counselling and wellbeing checks, as well as crisis respite at its hospice in Leopardstown, close to Microsoft’s campus at One Microsoft Place.

To mark the launch of the thirty-day cycling challenge, Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland said: “Despite the challenges created by COVID-19, the team at LauraLynn has continued to provide vital care and supports to families across Ireland. But now, more than ever, they need our support. That’s why our employees are dusting off their cycling helmets and getting back in the saddle for the 7th year to participate in a very special cycling challenge.

“Since 2014, Microsoft employees have raised a staggering €430,000 for LauraLynn by way of our annual cycle and we remain as committed as ever to achieving this year’s fundraising goal of €30,000.”

Emma Reid, a member of the Microsoft cycling team said: “This is my second year participating in the Microsoft cycle for LauraLynn and whilst COVID-19 is preventing us from cycling alongside our colleagues, we remain entirely united in our goal to raise much needed funds for the children’s hospice. Of course, I don’t intend on going it alone, my husband and two children and coming along for the ride as we collectively aim to complete 500 kilometres as a family over the course of the 30 days.” 

Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice said: “We are humbled by the continued support shown to LauraLynn by Microsoft Ireland. This is the seventh year of the Microsoft annual cycle for LauraLynn and we are hugely appreciative of their ongoing support.

“Whilst there is still much uncertainty about what the remainder of the year and indeed next year will look like, we have been very fortunate in how generous our supporters and the public have been in response to our appeals and virtual challenges. Microsoft has been hugely supportive of LauraLynn and so it is really special to have the opportunity to work together again on this fantastic challenge”.

To support LauraLynn, members of the public can pledge their support and donate by simply logging on to  http://aka.ms/Cycle4LauraLynn.

The public can track the progress of the team as they undertake their 30,000km challenge using the hashtag #MicrosoftLifeIreland.